What Kind of Loot Bag Parent Are You?

A fun, lighthearted look at how parents approach party favors for kids’ birthdays.

We were honestly surprised, as French parents, to discover that at kids’ birthday parties in Canada, every child waits eagerly for the goodie bag at the end. If you’re curious, we shared the full story in Wait… the Guests Get Gifts?! How a French Parent Learned to Love Goodie Bags in Canada.

Some call them loot bags, others say goodie bags, but either way, they have become a beloved tradition at children’s parties. Every child looks forward to that small surprise, one of the most loved party favors for kids.

And just like the parties themselves, parents approach loot bags in very different ways. From late-night DIY crafting to last-minute dollar-store runs, from eco-friendly swaps to skipping the bag entirely, every parent finds their own style. None are right or wrong. We are all doing our best, and that is what makes it fun to celebrate the differences.

9 Types of Loot Bag Parents

1. The DIY Hero

This parent owns more glue guns than wine glasses and has a knack for turning craft supplies into masterpieces. Goodie bags are filled with hand-sewn pouches, homemade cookies, or hand-painted trinkets that look like they belong on Etsy. The results are meaningful and creative, truly thoughtful party favors that kids and parents admire. The only catch is that the price is measured in hours of lost sleep. If you have ever stayed up until 2 a.m. tying ribbons, this might be you.

2. The Dollar-Store Ninja

Fast, efficient, and a master of the everything aisle. With a basket in one hand and a stopwatch in the other, this parent can fill 12 bags in under 15 minutes. The result is loot bags overflowing with candy, stickers, whistles, and plastic treasures that keep kids buzzing with excitement. They may not last long, but the joy in the moment is undeniable. Sometimes quick and cheerful is exactly what works best.

3. The Pinterest Visionary 

They have entire boards dedicated to birthday loot bag ideas: rainbow-themed, Montessori-approved, eco-friendly, you name it. The vision is flawless. The execution is another story. Between half-finished craft projects and a last-minute trip to Costco, the final goodie bags may not look exactly like the pin, but they always come from the heart. And really, kids never notice the difference.

4. The No-Bag Maverick 

This parent believes the party itself is the gift. They skip goodie bags altogether and focus on creating memorable experiences instead, whether it is a scavenger hunt, a bouncy castle, or simply a lot of cake and laughter.

It is a bold move that often feels refreshing for parents and a little puzzling for kids walking out empty-handed. Still, these parties remind us that memories last longer than candy wrappers.

5. The Eco-Saint 

Armed with reusable cotton bags, beeswax wraps, and bamboo toothbrushes, this parent is on a mission to keep party favors eco-conscious. No plastic, no candy, no clutter, just loot bags that reflect their values.

Parents usually nod in approval, kids sometimes look for the sugar, but everyone gets a reminder that small choices matter.
(Want to see more ways parents think outside the box? Read Not Just for Birthdays: Creative Uses for ODIDOMI Kits.)

6. The Treasure Hunter 

Some parents are curators, not crafters. These are the ones who scour bookstores, puzzle shops, and Etsy until they have found the perfect little gift for each child. The result is loot bags filled with small treasures like books, brain-teasers, or unique finds that kids actually keep.

They often spend a bit more than planned, but the joy of giving something meaningful outweighs the cost.
(Related: The Joy of Gifting: What ODIDOMI Means to Us shares why these small, meaningful touches matter so much.)

7. The Over-the-Top Producer 

Think monogrammed T-shirts, themed cookies with gold sprinkles, or balloons taller than the guests. For these parents, the goodie bag is an extension of the party theme, polished, coordinated, and absolutely Instagram-ready.

Kids love the spectacle, parents admire the dedication, and the budget takes a hit, but what a show. These are the parties everyone remembers, especially for their kids’ birthday party favors.

8. The Minimalist Zen Parent 

For this parent, less is more. They send kids home with a hug, maybe a balloon, maybe nothing at all. And honestly, it works.

The focus is on time spent together, not stuff. Their parties feel calm and clutter-free, which is sometimes the biggest gift of all. It is a reminder that a celebration does not need extras to be meaningful, and that kids remember the fun, not the loot bag.

9. The ODIDOMI Parent ✨

This parent has discovered the ultimate cheat code: stress-free non-candy goodie bags that are creative, eco-conscious, and beautiful without the late-night glue gun sessions or sugar overloads.

Kids love the hands-on activities, parents love the simplicity, and everyone leaves happy. With ODIDOMI, party favors become thoughtful, sustainable, and genuinely fun so you can focus on celebrating, not scrambling.
(Take a peek at Why Every ODIDOMI Goodie Bag Includes a Thank-You Puzzle Card for one example of how we help families slow down and savor the moment.)

So… Which One Are You?

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to do loot bags. Every parent is trying to create joy for their kids, and each approach brings its own kind of magic.

At ODIDOMI, we simply believe kids’ party favors can be stress-free for parents and exciting for kids. That is why our curated kits and eco-conscious loot bags are designed to be thoughtful, meaningful, and fun, while giving parents one less thing to worry about.

Whether you are planning ahead or last-minute, ODIDOMI is here to help make it easy. Explore ODIDOMI Kits, See how it works, and learn more about Our Story.

FAQ

1. What are good non-candy loot bag ideas?
Books, small puzzles, and hands-on activity kits make wonderful alternatives to candy. Our non-candy goodie bags are designed to keep kids engaged long after the party ends.

2. How do I make eco-conscious goodie bags for kids?
Choose reusable cotton bags, avoid single-use plastics, and look for thoughtful, sustainable items. Our eco-conscious loot bags are an easy way to celebrate without the waste.

3. Are loot bags necessary for a kids birthday party?
Not at all. Some parents skip them, others see them as a must-have tradition. If you do want to offer party favors, focusing on thoughtful party favors makes them more meaningful and less stressful.